Kelrik Productions to Present WILLY WONKA

From the Producers of PETER PAN, SHREK and DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Kelrik Productions returns to the Spanos Theatre with a sticky-sweet confection of "Pure Imagination" in Roald Dahl's timeless story, WILLY WONKA!

Based on Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), the play, WILLY WONKA, brings the story to the stage in this musical adaptation. Included in this production are some of the classic songs from the Oscar-nominated family film such as "Pure Imagination" and "Candy Man", as well as new songs from Leslie Bricusse, who composed the film. The musical was originally intended to help promote the newly formed WILLY WONKA'S CANDY COMPANYfilm, adapted from Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, which became a cult classic and has gone on to become one of the most beloved titles in the history of children's cinema.

"This is a must see event for the entire family," says Director Tabatha S. Skanes. "Almost everyone is familiar with the movie CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and all of the characters. To see it come alive on stage is a truly special experience for children and adults alike."

Playing the title role of Willy Wonka is Kelrik's Artistic Director Erik Austin. This role is right up his alley. "I've always gravitated toward characters with character. Big, interesting people who reside firmly off the beaten path. I'm excited to be bringing Willy Wonka to life for audiences in a way movies can't match." Austin is a huge fan of the Gene Wilder film and hopes to pay homage to MR. Wilder while bringing his own spin to the character. "The original version is a classic that cannot be matched. Like all kids, it was a part of my childhood before I even had a concept of movies as things made by people. They were simply magic that you could watch over and over." Austin shares one very important characteristic with Wonka "I like chocolate. Okay, I REALLY like chocolate. Okay, I once bought a giant, 5 lb. Hershey bar and ate the entire thing."

Sharing the spotlight with Austin is a youth performer, Phineas Peters. This young Artist is making his Kelrik debut as protagonist, Charlie Bucket. "Charlie is the eternal optimist," says director, Tabatha S. Skanes. "While the other children arrive at the factory driven by greed and a sense of entitlement, Charlie is excited just to be part of the adventure." His hard-working mother, Mrs. Bucket, is played by Rachel Tiez with Todd Long portraying Grandpa Joe.

Joining Charlie in his quest through Wonka's factory is a quartet of children who personify excess at it's worst. Eliot Peters stars as the aptly named Augustus Gloop, Sophie Long as the materialistic Veruca Salt, Brooke Andris portray Violet Beauregard, the incessant gum chewer, Drew Vander Weele and Sam Gomez share the role as the technology obsessed Mike Teavee. Appearing as their woefully inept parents are Carey Blauvelt as Mrs. Gloop and Anita Henry as Ms. Teavee. Rounding out the cast is an ensemble of talented young actors portraying the iconic Oompa-Loompas as well as a host of schoolchildren (Julia Bloom, Ciera Bloom, Ashlyn Cleaves , Ayla Gharavi, Sam Gomez, Isabella Grznar, Izzy Mayr, Claire Perales-Duckworth, London Raffery, Hallei Roberts, Carter Simonich , Addisyn Tejada, Joel Wadlow, Steaphanee Wittlieb, Bennett Wittlieb, Liam Wittlieb). Sean McCallon leads these young candy kids as our Candy Man. The creative team includes: directors, Tabatha S. Skanes and Erik Austin, musical direction from Kristina Horacek Prozesky, Costume Design by Kathleen Forster, Additional costumes provided by Costume Capers, Properties by Lester Wilson, Lighting Design by David Beals Set Design by Erik Austin & Bruce Hunter and Scenic Painting by Sharon Doran.

As a company, Kelrik is dedicated to the growth of our actors, theater-goers, and the artistic medium in which they all connect. Kelrik continues to work hard to maintain a viable theater company offering new works as well as reviving old favorites like WILLY WONKA. We always uphold the standards and visions of Kelrik, which is to provide quality "edutainment", theater which both educates and entertains. Myths, parables and fables have traditionally been used to teach. Kelrik continues to build on this tradition, creating audience-pleasing productions that provide food for thought--as well as great fun. Kelrik is diligently searching for a new "home" theater space in San Luis Obispo and welcomes any input on properties or buildings.

Tickets to WILLY WONKA can be purchased online at www.kelrikproductions.organd by phone at 805-756-4TIX. Ticket prices are $20 -$40 with reserved seating. Discounts are available for full-time students, seniors and groups of 15 or more. This fun-filled family show runs approximately 75 minutes which makes it ideal for younger children. Reservations are strongly recommended.

This production is made possible through the generous contributions of our Sponsors: Central Coast Family, SLO Children's Museum, Cortez Photography, Costume Capers and Joan Gellert - Sargen. Kelrik will also give back to the community through the Kelrik Cares program raising funds for Big Brother and Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo.

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